Review / CIMF Concert 20, ‘Twilight’

CityNews | 9 May 2016

LIKE the Vivaldi concert from earlier in the day this offering was wide in its musical variety but, befitting the twilight hour, was more gentle and contemplative in its style. Here was what I’ve always imagined an 18th Century drawing room musical evening to be – players of the highest calibre weaving their magic and leading listeners into a peaceful place where sounds just wash over and around causing minds to float off all over the place.

The three brothers who form Forma Antiqva eased us into the early night with three Spanish works.

All are outstandingly good individual players in a trio of instruments not often heard (harpsichord, theorbo and guitar) but collectively they display a musical understanding which could only come about through close family ties. This synergy allowed playing of great precision and delicate balance with the harpsichord work of Aaron Zapico outstanding in its technical excellence.